Zero waste guide Tips and tricks for a low-waste lifestyle The zero waste guide includes information about many actions you can take to reduce waste. The guide starts by focusing on getting as much waste our of your trash can through recycling, donation and proper disposal. The guide then digs into preventing waste in the first place. Tips for creating a low-waste and environmentally friendly lifestyle, worksheets for setting goals and conducting waste audits, recipes for making less waste products, and additional resources are also included. You can either download the entire zero waste guide (PDF) or choose the sections of interest to you below. Getting started: diverting waste The first phase of becoming a zero-waste household is to take a look at what you're throwing away and get everything possible out of your trash can. That's why the first section provides details about diverting as much of your waste as possible to recycling, composting, organics recycling, donation and reselling goods, and properly disposing of hazardous wastes. Introduction and tips for conducting a waste sort and getting everyone on board (PDF) Recycling 101 (PDF) Composting and organics recycling 101 (PDF) Donating and selling reusable goods (PDF) Properly disposing of hazardous waste (PDF) Reducing waste The second step is to think about waste you could prevent in the first place, remembering that not creating waste in the first place is better than recycling it. This sections goes room by room, including the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, home office and garage as well as exploring the topics of kids, pets, travel, cleaning, remodeling and hosting gatherings. Reducing waste overview (PDF) Food (PDF) Packaging (PDF) Plastics (PDF) Personal care (PDF) Wardrobes (PDF) Kids (PDF) Pets (PDF) Home management (PDF) Cleaning (PDF) Outdoor living and transportation (PDF) Hobbies (PDF) Travel and on-the-go (PDF) Special events (PDF) Home remodeling (PDF) Moving and renting (PDF) Community and advocacy (PDF) Worksheets Setting zero-waste goals (PDF) Waste audit: what's in my trash (PDF) Waste sort guide (PDF) Recipes Recipes for food and personal care products (PDF) References and additional resources More resources including blogs, websites, documentaries and books (PDF)
Tracking your waste Complete a waste audit Complete a waste audit (PDF) by taking a look at what is in your waste stream in each room of your home. Track your waste Review the waste tracking instructions (PDF) to learn how to track your waste, then download the templates below. Weight tracking template (PDF) Weight tracking template (DOCX) Photos and volume tracking template (PDF) Photos and volume tracking template (DOCX) Watch the video to learn how to complete a waste audit and track your waste.
Workshops, events and learning opportunities About the workshops Households should attend as many workshops as they can during the Zero Waste Challenge. There are a mix of in-person workshops, live webinars, and recordings to watch. Workshops are led by Hennepin County staff and are an opportunity to learn more about waste reduction topics, have discussions with other participating households, and get your questions answered. Webinar links will be shared in the Zero Waste Updates newsletter. Workshop topics The following workshop topics will be offered. Please see the Zero Waste Challenge calendar for date and time specifics. May: Backyard composting (YouTube) June: Recycling and organics deep dive (YouTube) July: Grocery shopping for less waste (YouTube) August: Food waste reduction (YouTube) September: Decluttering (YouTube) Cleaning and personal care products (YouTube) Low-waste parenting (YouTube) Low-waste holidays and gift-giving (YouTube) Fix-It Clinics Learn how to troubleshoot and repair your household goods with guided assistance from handy volunteers! Although not a formal part of the challenge, we encourage you to attend at least one Fix-It Clinic event. These fixing sessions are held monthly. See the Fix-It Clinics web page for more information.
Educational resources and guiding documents Zero waste guide and planning documents Zero waste guide (PDF) Setting zero waste goals (PDF) Waste tracking sheet (DOCX) Waste audit form (PDF) Educational resources by topic Recycling and composting Recycling guide (PDF) Organics recycling guide (PDF) Organics recycling home setup tips from the City of Minneapolis Plastics decision tree (PDF) Bathroom Green cleaning recipes (PDF) Medicine disposal Safe disposal options for needles and sharps (PDF) Household hazardous waste Battery recycling Drop-off facilities Hazardous waste label reading activity (PDF) Upcoming collection events Moving and donation Donation opportunities (PDF) Reducing waste and recycling during your move (PDF) Special events Green party checklist (PDF) Connect with others Zero Waste Challenge Facebook group Helpful links Choose to Reuse website Green Disposal Guide Save the Food ReFED Community Recycling Ambassadors
Zero waste update The Zero Waste Update is an email newsletter sent about every two weeks that includes Zero Waste Challenge program updates, upcoming workshops, and an article that digs into a zero waste topic or experience. Sign up for the Zero Waste Update.